SMC – packing a punch in the packaging industry
November 2015
News
Leading pneumatics supplier SMC has revealed its diverse range of product solutions for original equipment manufacturers and end users.
The company boasts a wide range of components to cover every requirement of the packaging industry by providing the full solution to its customers. “We understand that vertical integration is key and deliver an excellent price-performance ratio, with great availability guaranteed thanks to our multi-site manufacturing capability throughout Europe including Germany, UK, Spain, Italy and the Czech Republic,” says Johan Bester, head of sales for the South African operation.
“We have a broad range of ionisers and temperature control devices for original equipment manufacturers, and for end users and OEMs, we can offer a range of solutions that all comply with international standards,” he adds.
The company also supplies a trio of new ionisers that comply with safety regulations, and which effectively help to break down static electricity; the IZS41 has an optional feedback sensor, the standard IZS40 features an easy on/off operation, and the IZS42 dual AC design minimises electrostatic build-up on work pieces.
Highlighting safety abilities is the SMC’s 3/2 port valve series. The VP544-X538 and VP744-X538 are designed to be used in the Category 4 functional safety systems of ISO 13849. These valves feature an integrated valve spool monitoring system that enables the spool slider position to be detected and confirmed.
In terms of cooling, the new energy saving HRS thermo-chillers provide customers with a range of suitable options. With a lightweight, space saving design, the HRS offers market leading temperature control accuracy of 0,1°C and the heat function utilises the overall heat loss, so electrical heating is not required.
The cutting-edge ALDS (automatic leak detection system) detects air leakages as and when they occur. The device confirms the exact value of the leak in l/m, providing maintenance personnel with a detailed report on where the leakages are located.
“SMC has a philosophy of staying close to the customers and responding to market needs. The company has identified these innovations, all of which benefit the packaging industry. Customers can also call on our technical support as we offer commissioning assistance through a highly qualified team who can also assist with technical advice,” concludes Bester.
Further reading:
Buyout model for solar investment
News
Sustainable Power Solutions has introduced a buyout model that converts existing solar and battery systems into immediate capital for South African businesses.
Read more...
Innovation award for Beckhoff’s XTS machine
Beckhoff Automation
News
The Premio Innovazione award has confirmed that Tetra Pak’s Cap Applicator 40 Speed Hyper has achieved a machine solution that pushes the boundaries of conventional packaging lines with a highly dynamic mechatronic solution based on XTS technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...
Vision meets reality at the Africa Automation Indaba
News
At the Africa Automation Indaba 2026, the panel ‘Automation for Africa – Opportunities, Challenges and Next Steps’ will feature a rare, high-level exchange where technology, ethics, entrepreneurship and data-driven reality shape what comes next for the continent.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A tool not a crutch
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Every year, the dictionaries try to summarise a year of human behaviour with a single word, the word of the year. You can question the value of this, but it’s quite entertaining. Words are important,
...
Read more...
Timken funds Kids Haven STEM classroom
News
A bright new chapter in digital education has begun at Kids Haven with the official opening of a fully equipped STEM classroom at the Kids Haven Village. This exciting addition was generously donated by Timken South Africa and expertly installed by Breadline Africa.
Read more...
Technology trends that will and won’t shape 2026
News
A whitepaper by ABI Research shows that a clear trend is taking shape, and 2026 is set to be characterised by practical, outcome-driven change.
Read more...
RS South Africa shapes future engineering talent
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa is demonstrating that nurturing future engineers goes beyond traditional classrooms or competitions. On STEM Day, the company shone a light on the full spectrum of its educational initiatives.
Read more...
ABB and Compu-Power bring high-efficiency UPS innovation to IS3 X-Change 2025
News
ABB recently participated in the 31st annual IS
3X-Change 2025 in Cape Town, alongside its long-standing channel partner Compu-Power.
Read more...
UKZN’s SMART lab wins aviation award
News
: The SMART Lab at UKZN was awarded first place in the Aviation Research and Development category at the Civil Aviation Authority of South Africa’s award ceremony for outstanding contributions and achievements in the aviation sector.
Read more...
Meta and partners announce completion of 2Africa subsea cable system
News
Meta, in partnership with leading global and regional telecommunications companies, has announced the completion and activation of the core 2Africa subsea cable system. This marks a historic milestone in digital infrastructure, establishing what the world’s longest open-access subsea cable system.
Read more...